Adaptive RF Transmit Power Control for Mixed-Protocol Channel Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interference between wireless devices operating with different communication protocols, particularly due to high power transmissions by HaLow devices interfering with Wi-SUN devices, is a significant issue in shared wireless channels.

Innovation Solution

Implementing adaptive power control based on energy detection, using multiple thresholds to determine optimal transmit power levels, allowing devices to adjust power levels based on detected energy levels to minimize interference and maintain communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If HaLow devices transmit at high power levels (up to 30 dBm), then communication reliability is improved, but interference to other wireless devices is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterference to other devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic transmit power adjustment by continuously monitoring the wireless channel environment and adapting the transmit power level accordingly. The system transitions from static high power transmission to dynamic power control, where the transmit power is adjusted in real-time based on detected channel conditions and interference levels, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable communication and reducing interference to other devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the device monitors the wireless channel for energy levels and uses this information to adjust its transmit power. The system receives feedback about the presence of other wireless devices and their signal levels, then modifies its transmission parameters accordingly, allowing it to maintain communication reliability while minimizing harmful interference through continuous environmental awareness and adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If Wi-SUN devices perform Clear Channel Assessment and prevent transmission when interfering signals exceed ED threshold, then interference avoidance is improved, but channel utilization is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference avoidanceVSAvoidchannel utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of Wi-SUN devices by adjusting their Energy Detection thresholds and transmit power levels based on the presence and characteristics of HaLow devices. Instead of using fixed thresholds and binary transmission decisions, the system dynamically modifies detection sensitivity and power levels to accommodate mixed protocol environments, improving both interference avoidance and channel utilization by finding optimal parameter settings for coexistence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12495367B2System, method and apparatus for adaptively controlling transmit power based on energy detection

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SILICON LABORATORIES INC

AI summary

In one aspect, a method includes: detecting, in a receiver of a wireless device, an energy of a first wireless channel; determining whether the detected energy is within a range between a first threshold and a second threshold; and in response to determining that the detected energy is within the range, transmitting, from a transmitter of the wireless device, a first radio frequency (RF) signal within the first wireless channel at a power level less than a maximum power level.